A senior European Union politician has criticized NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte for his praise of US President Donald Trump, likening him to a “McDonald’s employee of the month.” The comments, made by French MEP Nathalie Loiseau, were in response to a private text message from Rutte to Trump, in which he addressed the president as “dear Donald” and praised his “incredible” accomplishments.
Rutte’s message also expressed his commitment to finding a “way forward” on Trump’s ambition to acquire Greenland, a proposal that has been met with widespread opposition from European leaders. Loiseau’s criticism of Rutte’s approach reflects a broader concern that his strategy of lavish public flattery towards Trump is overly subservient and undermines the European Union’s independence.
This is not the first time Rutte’s approach has been criticized. At last year’s NATO summit, he told Trump that he was “flying into another big success” as European members agreed to increase military spending. During a joint press conference, Rutte also likened Trump’s approach to the Middle East to a father using “strong language” to discipline his children. These comments were widely condemned in European media as “cringe-worthy” and an “orchestrated grovel.”
The spat between Loiseau and Rutte comes amid a transatlantic crisis over Trump’s push to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of NATO member Denmark. After European leaders rejected the idea, Trump threatened tariffs on several European nations, prompting preparations for countermeasures. The tension is fueled by Trump’s longstanding grievances with NATO’s European members, whom he has accused of failing to meet defense spending targets and doubted the military bloc’s ability to defend the US without American power.
The European Union is preparing a response to Trump’s actions, with reports suggesting a “carrot-and-stick” approach that would offer incentives for cooperation while also imposing penalties for non-compliance. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges facing the transatlantic alliance, as European leaders seek to balance their relationships with the US with their own strategic interests and values. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Rutte’s approach will be received by European leaders and whether it will be effective in resolving the current crisis.
